Sleepy chicken

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Anonymous

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I have just this week introduced two new chickens to a flock of three they are 16 weeks old. one of them seems ok (although not out of the house yet) the other just seems to want to sleep closing its eyes and not moving much. they are both eating but not much. when it opens its eyes they are not weepy or red.
any suggestions would be helpful.

thanks darren.
 
Have you quarantined them before putting them in with your new stock? Did they both come from the same breeder and from the same pens/runs etc?
 
Hi snifter
no I didnt quarantine them I was advised from where I bought them from (cambridge poultry) that they would be ok to put them in the house along with the other three, I bought them all from the same supplier.
 
Hi Darren,
I've got most of my bird from the same supplier,Sue on here (Victoria's Poultry)she always tells me to quarantine the new birds.
It is a shock for hens,going to a new home,as it's new territory for them.Added to that is the stress of adjusting into an existing flock.
If I was you,I would put your new birds into a separate run during the day,but where they can see and smell your other birds,it's too late from passing on germs or a possible infection,but,it may help to reduce their stress.Put them into the hen house with the other's at night once it's dark.
See if being apart during the day and in a safe run helps them to become less sleepy.
Make sure you're adding garlic and A.C.V. to all of their water,new and established flock.
 
Hi Darren
When getting new birds it is always advisable to "quarantine" the new chooks for at least 7 days, even if they look healthy and bright. Hens can get stressed very easily, new sounds, smells etc.. they may also get picked on by your "old girls". Move them away from your existing hens in the morning and see how they get on, I am sure with a little T.L.C. they should be just fine.

Sue
 
I believe Cambridge Poultry Vaccinate their hybrids - If they are 16 weeks, you could be seeing the effects of the last vaccine. Normally I wouldn't mix vaccinated stock until 20 weeks. I would give them a call and check what they have had and when.

They are a good company, I have been there myself and their birds are all in good shape.
 
Thankyou to every ones help with my "sleepy chicken" I have followed you advice & separate them in the day from the other ginger ninjas, they settle down & roost up together OK at night.
I think the sleepy thing was probably the bird adjusting to its new home they are still very timid they seem to be settling ok & are now coming out on their own to feed.
thankyou for your help.
Darren.
 
That's brilliant news Darren,pleased they are starting to settle in :D .It does take time,some longer than others.
You did the right thing getting 2,it is even tougher on one hen,which is why a lot of suppliers only sell a minimum of 2.
 
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